Endoscope tip position visual indicator and heat management system

ABSTRACT

The present specification discloses an endoscope having a tip section equipped with multiple viewing elements. Each of the viewing elements&#39; field of view is illuminated by a discrete illuminator, such as a LED, being operated in a flash mode. The flash mode of operation of the LEDs enable doctors to obtain a position of the endoscope tip within a patient&#39;s body from outside by viewing the light emitted by the LEDs. Since the light is emitted for short pre-defined periods of time, the heat generated by the LEDs during their periods of operation is within a safe threshold value, and does not cause any burn injury inside the patient&#39;s body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present specification relies on, for priority, U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/822,805, entitled “Method and System forProviding An Endoscope Visual Tip Indicator”, and filed on May 13, 2013.

The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/984,028, entitled “Multi-ElementCover for a Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Aug. 22, 2013, which isa 371 National Stage Entry of PCT Application Number PCT/IL2012/050037,of the same title and filed on Feb. 6, 2012, which, in turn, relies uponU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/439,948, filed on Feb. 7,2011, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/992,021, entitled “Fluid ChannelingComponent of a Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Jun. 6, 2013, whichis a 371 National Stage Entry of PCT Application NumberPCT/IL2011/050050, entitled “Flexible Electronic Circuit BoardMulti-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Dec. 8, 2011, which, in turn,relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/421,240, filed onDec. 9, 2010, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/992,014, entitled “FlexibleElectronic Circuit Board for a Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Jun.6, 2013, which is a 371 National Stage Entry of PCT Application NumberPCT/IL2011/050049, of the same title and filed on Dec. 8, 2011, which,in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/421,238,filed on Dec. 9, 2010, for priority, and is herein incorporated byreference.

The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/882,004, entitled “Optical Systemsfor Multi-Sensor Endoscopes” and filed on May 23, 2013, which is a 371National Stage Entry of PCT Application Number PCT/IL2011/000832, of thesame title and filed on Oct. 27, 2011, which, in turn, relies upon U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/407,495, filed on Oct. 28, 2010,for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/822,908, entitled “Multi-CameraEndoscope Having Fluid Channels” and filed on Mar. 13, 2013, which is a371 National Stage Entry of PCT Application Number PCT/IL2011/000745, ofthe same title and filed on Sep. 20, 2011, which, in turn, relies uponU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/384,354, filed on Sep. 20,2010, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/713,449, entitled “Removable TipEndoscope” and filed on Dec. 13, 2012, which, in turn, relies upon U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/569,796, of the same title andfiled on Dec. 13, 2011, for priority, and is herein incorporated byreference.

The present application is also a continuation-in-part application ofthe following United States patent applications, which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/655,120, entitled “Multi-CameraEndoscope” and filed on Oct. 18, 2012;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/212,627, entitled “Multi-ViewingElement Endoscope” and filed on Aug. 18, 2011; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/190,968, entitled “Multi-CameraEndoscope” and filed on Jul. 26, 2011, all of which arecontinuation-in-part applications of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/119,032, entitled “Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Jul. 15,2011, which is a 371 National Stage Entry of PCT Application NumberPCT/IL2010/000476, of the same title and filed on Jun. 16, 2010, which,in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/218,085,for priority.

The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/413,252, entitled “Multi CameraEndoscope Assembly Having Multiple Working Channels” and filed on Mar.6, 2012, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/449,746, of the same title and filed on Mar. 7, 2011, forpriority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/413,141, entitled “Multi CameraEndoscope Having a Side Service Channel” and filed on Mar. 6, 2012,which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/449,743, of the same title and filed on Mar. 7, 2011, for priority,and is herein incorporated by reference.

The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/413,059, entitled “Endoscope CircuitBoard Assembly” and filed on Mar. 6, 2012, which, in turn, relies uponU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/449,741, of the same titleand filed on Mar. 7, 2011, for priority, and is herein incorporated byreference.

The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/412,974, entitled “Camera Assemblyfor Medical Probes” and filed on Mar. 6, 2012, which, in turn, reliesupon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/449,739, of the sametitle and filed on Mar. 7, 2011, for priority, and is hereinincorporated by reference.

All of the above-mentioned applications are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an endoscope with a pluralityof discrete illuminators for illuminating fields of view of one or moreof the endoscope's viewing elements, and more specifically, to methodsand systems for managing the amount of heat generated by discreteilluminators in an endoscope tip and enable such illuminators to beviewed outside a patient's body when the tip is inside the patient'sbody.

BACKGROUND

An endoscope is a medical instrument used for examining and treatinginternal body parts such as the alimentary canals, airways, thegastrointestinal system, and other organ systems. Conventionalendoscopes have a flexible tube carrying a fiber optic light guide fordirecting light from an external light source situated at a proximal endof the tube to a distal tip. Also, most endoscopes are provided with achannel, through which medical devices, such as forceps, probes, andother tools, may be passed. Further, during an endoscopic procedure,fluids, such as water, saline, drugs, contrast material, dyes, oremulsifiers are often introduced or evacuated via the flexible tube. Aplurality of channels, one each for introduction and suctioning ofliquids, may be provided within the flexible tube.

Endoscopes have attained great acceptance within the medical community,since they provide a means for performing procedures with minimalpatient trauma, while enabling the physician to view the internalanatomy of the patient. Over the years, numerous endoscopes have beendeveloped and categorized according to specific applications, such ascystoscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, upper GI endoscopy among others.Endoscopes may be inserted into the body's natural orifices or throughan incision in the skin.

Endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that are currently being used,typically have a front camera for viewing the internal organ, such asthe colon, an illuminator for illuminating the field of view of thecamera, a fluid injector for cleaning the camera lens and sometimes alsothe illuminator and a working channel for insertion of surgical tools,for example, for removing polyps found in the colon. The illuminatorscommonly used are fiber optics which transmit light, generated remotely,to the endoscope tip section.

In more currently developed endoscopes, discrete illuminators, such aslight-emitting diodes (LEDs), have been incorporated in an endoscope tipfor providing illumination.

While discrete illuminators, such as LEDs, provide the illuminationrequired for enabling operation of the endoscope, they also produce heatduring their operation. The heat produced may harm the internal organsof a patient being operated upon. Hence, there is need for a system andmethod of operating the LEDs so that a minimal amount of heat isproduced while still obtaining a threshold level of illumination. Thereis also a need for providing a temperature modulated endoscope tipvisual indicator.

Additionally, navigating an endoscope through a patient's body can beconfusing and is made challenging by virtue of not knowing preciselywhere the tip of the endoscope may be located at any given point intime. Accordingly, there is a need for endoscopic system that canprovide a physician with an indication of where the endoscope tip may belocated in a patient during a procedure.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present specification is directed toward a systemfor managing heat generated in a tip of an endoscope, comprising: acontroller external to the endoscope, wherein said controller comprisesa memory for storing programmatic functions and a processor forexecuting said programmatic functions; an input device in datacommunication with said controller, wherein said input device is adaptedto receive data indicative of a programmatic function and wherein saidinput device is configured to communicate said data indicative of aprogrammatic function to the controller; and a plurality of discreteilluminators positioned within said tip and in electrical communicationwith said controller, wherein each of said plurality of discreteilluminators emits an amount of visible light and wherein saidcontroller executes a programmatic function based upon said dataindicative of a programmatic function that causes at least one of saidplurality of discrete illuminators to modulate an amount of visiblelight emitted by it in accordance with said programmatic function.

In another embodiment, the present specification is directed toward amethod of tracking a position of an endoscope tip within a human body,comprising one or more viewing elements and one or more discreteilluminators for illuminating fields of view of the viewing elements,wherein each viewing element is associated with at least one discreteilluminator, the method comprising: providing a controller external tothe endoscope, wherein said controller comprises a memory for storingprogrammatic functions and a processor for executing said programmaticfunctions; providing an input device in data communication with saidcontroller, wherein said input device is adapted to receive dataindicative of a programmatic function and wherein said input device isconfigured to communicate said data indicative of a programmaticfunction to the controller; and providing a plurality of discreteilluminators positioned within said tip and in electrical communicationwith said controller, wherein each of said plurality of discreteilluminators emits an amount of visible light and wherein saidcontroller executes a programmatic function based upon said dataindicative of a programmatic function that causes at least one of saidplurality of discrete illuminators to modulate an amount of visiblelight emitted by it in accordance with said programmatic function.

Optionally, the discrete illuminators emit a light intensity of 28lumens per second while the system is not operating inflash/intermittent mode. In one embodiment, this is defined as thebaseline operational intensity.

Optionally, the programmatic function defines, for at least one of saidplurality of discrete illuminators, a first non-zero power level for afirst period of time and a second non-zero power level for a secondperiod of time.

Optionally, the first power level causes at least one of said pluralityof discrete illuminators to emit an amount of visible light in a rangeof greater than 40 lumens. Still optionally, the second power levelcauses at least one of said plurality of discrete illuminators to emitan amount of visible light in a range less than 40 lumens.

In an embodiment, the programmatic function may define a duty cycle forat least one of said plurality of discrete illuminators, and, whereinduring 30% of said duty cycle, the programmatic function defines a firstlumen level that is greater than 40 lumens. Optionally, during 70% ofsaid duty cycle, the programmatic function defines a second lumen levelthat is less than 40 lumens.

Optionally, the input device is at least one of a touch screen display,a button on a handle of the endoscope, a keypad, or a mobile device.

In one embodiment, the programmatic function may define, for at leastone of said plurality of discrete illuminators, a first power level thatcauses at least one of said plurality of discrete illuminators to emitan amount of visible light in a range of 45-55 lumens for a first periodof time and a second power level that causes the at least one of saidplurality of discrete illuminators to emit an amount of visible light ina range of 15-25 lumens for a second period of time.

In another embodiment, the programmatic function may define, for atleast one of said plurality of discrete illuminators, a constant powerlevel that causes the at least one of said plurality of discreteilluminators to emit an amount of visible light in a range of 20-35lumens for a second period of time.

Optionally, one or more discrete illuminator are operated to emit lighthaving an intensity of at least 15 lumens for a maximum of 60milliamperes current for a duration of 3 to 15 seconds with pulses of 10to 50 milliseconds in duty cycle ranging between 10% to 50%.

Optionally, the same programmatic function is applied to the pluralityof discrete illuminators located within the endoscope tip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will beappreciated, as they become better understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-viewing elementendoscope, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bending section of amulti-viewing element endoscope, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a multi-viewing element endoscopy system, inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating overall video processingarchitecture of a multi-viewing element endoscopy system, in accordancewith one embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram showing the data communicationbetween various components of the endoscopy system, in accordance withone embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operating thediscrete illuminators in a flash mode, in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary change in illumination intensity levelsof a set of illuminators in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent specification;

FIG. 6B is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method ofoperating the discrete illuminators in a flash mode, in accordance withone embodiment;

FIG. 6C is a flowchart illustrating yet another exemplary method ofoperating the discrete illuminators in a flash mode, in accordance withone embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for obtaining a position ofan endoscope tip within a patient's body from outside the body bymodulating the power level of discrete illuminators, in accordance withone embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, the present specification discloses an endoscopehaving a tip section equipped with multiple viewing elements. In oneembodiment, three viewing elements, typically comprising lens assembliessuch as a camera and/or a fiber optic lens assembly and image sensors,are employed, to deliver a display comprising three parts. In anembodiment, each of the viewing elements' field of view is illuminatedby a discrete illuminator, such as a LED, that is operated in a flashmode for reducing the amount of heat produced while maintaining athreshold level of illumination. The flash mode of operation of the LEDsenables a physician to obtain a position of the endoscope tip within apatient's body from outside by viewing the light emitted by the LEDs.Since the light is emitted for short pre-defined periods of time, theheat generated by the LEDs during their respective periods of operationis within a safe threshold value, and does not cause any burn injuryinside the patient's body and within the lumen under inspection.

The present specification is directed towards multiple embodiments. Thefollowing disclosure is provided in order to enable a person havingordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Language used inthis specification should not be interpreted as a general disavowal ofany one specific embodiment or used to limit the claims beyond themeaning of the terms used therein. The general principles defined hereinmay be applied to other embodiments and applications without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the terminology andphraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodimentsand should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is tobe accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives,modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles andfeatures disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating totechnical material that is known in the technical fields related to theinvention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarilyobscure the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a multi-viewing elementendoscope 100 is shown in detail, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present specification. As shown in FIG. 1, endoscope 100 includes anelongated shaft (not shown), a bending section (partially shown) 102 anda tip section 101 which terminates the endoscope. Bending section 102,in one embodiment, comprises moveably attached vertebrae sections 102 a,102 b, and 102 c for flexible movement of the endoscope within apatient's lumen. Tip section 101 of the endoscope 100 includes therein afront-pointing viewing element 104 which captures images through awindow in a distal end surface 106 of the tip section.

In an embodiment, a discrete front illuminator 108, which is, in anembodiment, a light-emitting diode (LED), is associated withfront-pointing viewing element 104 and is used for illuminating itsfield of view through an opening in distal end surface 106. In variousembodiments of the present specification, different types of LEDs areused, such as, but not limited to, a white light LED, an infrared lightLED, a near infrared light LED or an ultraviolet light LED. The term“discrete”, in regard to front illuminator 108, refers to anillumination source which generates light internally within the tip ordistal end of the endoscope, in contrast to a non-discrete illuminatorwhich may be, for example, a fiber optic channel that transmits lightgenerated remote from the tip. In a different configuration (not shown),two or more discrete front illuminators are present in the tip section,such as for supplying overall stronger illumination and/or forincreasing the angular coverage of the illumination. In one embodiment,these two or more discrete front illuminators are located next to oneanother so that they share a same protective window on the distal endsurface of the tip section.

During procedures, a physician may want to visually determine theprogression of the endoscope tip through a patient's body. In oneembodiment, the endoscope system enables a physician to see the movementof the distal tip of the endoscope tip within a patient's body from theoutside, through the patient's skin, using a high level of illuminationgenerated by the discrete illuminators which, in one embodiment, areLEDs. However, the higher the illumination level, the more heat that isconsequently generated. In order to lower the amount of heat generated,in one embodiment, the LEDs are operated in accordance with a predefinedfrequency, i.e. using flashes or intermittent operation, to generatelight which is visible from outside the patient's body, but in a mannerthat decreases the total amount of heat generated. In this mode ofoperation, the LEDs emit light of predefined intensities forpredetermined periods of time. As the light is emitted for shortpre-defined periods of time, the heat generated by the LEDs during theirperiods of operation is within a safe threshold value, and does notcause any burning of patient tissue.

In order to see the movement of the distal tip of the endoscope throughthe patient's skin, the LEDs must emit a threshold level ofillumination. In an embodiment, during flash mode of operation, thediscrete illuminators continuously emit light for a duration of lessthan 10 seconds. In one embodiment, the discrete illuminatorscontinuously emit light for a duration of approximately 7 seconds. In anembodiment, a duty cycle of 30% is employed when operating in flashmode. A duty cycle is defined as the percentage of one period in which asignal is active; a period is the time it takes for a signal to completean on-and-off cycle. In other embodiments, other values of duty cyclesare also employed. In another embodiment, the amount of light emitted isapproximately 51 lumens per second for approximately 30% of the totaltime during which the system is operating in flash mode andapproximately 21 lumens per second for remaining 70% of the total timeduring which the system is operating in flash mode. In one embodiment,the amount of light emitted while the system is not operating in flashmode is 28 lumens per second. In conventional endoscopes, a light of 28lumens per second of intensity is generated constantly during proceduresand, thus, this is the baseline operational intensity.

In an embodiment, the discrete illuminators are operated to emitnon-steady intensities of light.

In an embodiment, each discrete illuminator is operated to emit lightwith an intensity of at least 15 lumens and with a maximum current of 60milliamperes for a duration (period) ranging from 3 to 15 seconds with apulse duration of 10 to 50 milliseconds in a duty cycle ranging between10% to 50%.

In an embodiment, the illumination provided by the LEDs is uniformaround all sides of the tip of an endoscope. This makes it easy to knowwhich side of the tip, inside a patient's body cavity, is facing outwardfrom within the patient, as such can be seen from the outside of thebody. In an embodiment, the flash mode of operation of the LEDs forproviding illumination is controlled by a controller unit such as isdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 4 and described in detail below. Inanother embodiment, the flash mode of operation of the LEDs forproviding illumination is controlled manually by the person operatingthe endoscope. For example, in an embodiment, the endoscope has a buttonon the handle which, when pressed, activates the LED to cycle throughdifferent operational modes. In an embodiment, a first press causes theLEDs to remain on constantly. In an embodiment, a second press activatesthe LEDs to flash on and off. In an embodiment, a third press causes theLEDs to change from a first high intensity level to a second lowintensity level. It should be noted herein that any combination of suchcontrols is within the scope of this application.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, a front fluid injector 110is used for cleaning at least one of front-pointing viewing element 104and discrete front illuminator 108. In an embodiment, the distal endsurface 106 includes a hole defining a working channel 107, which, in anembodiment, is coupled with a hollow tube configured for insertion ofsurgical tools to operate on various tissues. In an embodiment, apathway fluid injector 105, defined by another hole in distal endsurface 106, is used for inflating and/or cleaning the body cavity intowhich endoscope 100 is inserted.

In an embodiment, the tip section 101 may further include therein aside-pointing viewing element 109 which captures images through a holein a cylindrical surface 103 of the tip section. In an embodiment, adiscrete side illuminator 111, which is optionally similar to discretefront illuminator 108, is associated with side-pointing viewing element109 and is used for illuminating its field of view through another holein cylindrical surface 103. In another configuration, two or morediscrete side illuminators are present in the tip section, such as forsupplying overall stronger illumination and/or for increasing theangular coverage of the illumination. In one embodiment, these two ormore discrete side illuminators are located next to one another so thatthey share a same protective window on the cylindrical surface of thetip section.

In an embodiment, a side fluid injector 112 is used for cleaning atleast one of side-pointing viewing element 109 and discrete sideilluminator 111. In order to prevent tissue damage when cylindricalsurface 103 of tip section 104 contacts a side wall of the body cavity,in an embodiment, the side fluid injector 112 and side-pointing viewingelement 109 are located in a depression 113 in the cylindrical surface.In an alternative configuration, one or more discrete side illuminatorsare also included in the depression, so that fluid injected from theside fluid injector can reach them. In yet another alternativeconfiguration, a side-pointing viewing element, one or more sideilluminators and a side fluid injector are positioned on essentially thesame level as the cylindrical surface of the tip section and thus, arenot located in a depression.

In some embodiments, at least one of said discrete front and sideilluminators is configured to emit white light. In some embodiments, atleast one of said discrete front and side illuminators is configured toemit ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, at least one of saiddiscrete front and side illuminators is configured to emit infraredlight. In some embodiments, at least one of said discrete front and sideilluminators is configured to emit near-infrared light. In someembodiments, said discrete front and side illuminators are configured toemit light in different wavelengths. In some embodiments, said tipsection further comprises an additional discrete front illuminatorconfigured to emit light having a different wavelength than saiddiscrete front illuminator. In some embodiments, said additionaldiscrete front illuminator and said discrete front illuminator areconfigured to simultaneously emit light, each at a different wavelength.In some embodiments, said tip section further comprises an additionaldiscrete side illuminator configured to emit light having a differentwavelength than said discrete side illuminator. In some embodiments,said additional discrete side illuminator and said discrete sideilluminator are configured to simultaneously emit light, each at adifferent wavelength.

It should be appreciated that the number of front illuminators can be 1,2, 3, 4 or more. A front illuminator is positioned on the planar surfacedefining the distal end of the tip. It should also be appreciated thatthe number of side illuminators on one side of the tip can be 1, 2, 3, 4or more and on the opposing side of the tip can also be can be 1, 2, 3,4 or more. Side illuminators are positioned in depressions positioned onthe cylindrical surfaces defining the circumference of the tip.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which shows a cross-sectional view of abending section 200 of a multi-viewing element endoscope, such asmulti-viewing element endoscope 100 of FIG. 1. A plurality of steeringcable guides/eyes, such as four guides 208, are positioned on theinternal walls of bending section 200. Steering cables are threadedthrough guides 208 to enable the maneuvering of bending section 200. Inan embodiment, the bending section 200 also includes a working channel202, through which surgical tools can be inserted, a fluid channel 206,through which fluids and/or liquids can be infused, and an electricalchannel 204, through which a plurality of electrical cables arethreaded, for transmitting video signals from the cameras and forsupplying power to the viewing elements and the discrete illuminators.In some embodiments, each of said discrete front and side illuminatorscomprises one or more light-emitting diodes (LED).

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which shows a multi-viewing elementendoscopy system 300. System 300 includes a multi-viewing elementendoscope 301. Multi-viewing element endoscope 301 includes a handle302, from which an elongated shaft 303 emerges. Elongated shaft 303terminates with a tip section 304 which is turnable by way of a bendingsection 305. Handle 302 is used for maneuvering elongated shaft 303within a body cavity. In an embodiment, the handle includes one or morebuttons and/or knobs and/or switches 306 which control bending section305 as well as functions such as the flash mode, fluid injection andsuction. In an embodiment, handle 302 further includes a working channelopening 307 through which surgical tools can be inserted.

A utility cable 308 connects between handle 302 and a controller 309.Utility cable 308 includes therein one or more fluid channels and one ormore electrical channels. In an embodiment, the electrical channel(s)includes at least one data cable for receiving video signals from thefront and side-pointing viewing elements, as well as at least one powercable for providing electrical power to the viewing elements and to thediscrete illuminators.

In an embodiment, the controller 309 governs power transmission to theendoscope 301 tip section 304, such as for the tip section's cameras andilluminators. In an embodiment, controller 309 controls the operation ofthe discrete illuminators. In one embodiment, controller 309 furthercontrols one or more fluid, liquid and/or suction pumps which supplycorresponding functionalities to endoscope 301. In one other embodiment,one or more input devices, such as a keyboard 310 or touchscreen (notshown), are connected to controller 309 for the purpose of humaninteraction with the controller. In another configuration (not shown),an input device, such as a keyboard, is integrated with the controllerin a same casing.

In one embodiment, a display 311 is connected to controller 309, and isconfigured to display images and/or video streams received from theviewing elements of multi-viewing element endoscope 301. In someembodiments, display 311 has more than one display unit. In anembodiment, the display 311 further provides the means to display atouch screen user interface for allowing a human operator to set variousfeatures of system 300. In an embodiment, a human operator uses the userinterface to input predefined time intervals for which the LEDs provideillumination.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a block diagram illustratingoverall video processing architecture, in accordance with an embodimentof the present specification. FIG. 4 details the operational connectionbetween video processing controller 420, endoscope 410 and the displayunits 450. The video processing controller 420 controls the flash modeof operation of the LEDs. In an embodiment, a predefined period of timefor which the LEDs are required to provide continuous illumination isstored in a memory of the video processing controller 420. Also, in anembodiment, one or more values of illumination intensities along withcorresponding durations of illumination is pre-defined in the videoprocessing controller 420. Video processing controller 420 furthercomprises a camera board 421 that transmits appropriate commands tocontrol the power supply to the LEDs 411 and to control the operation ofCCD imager 412 (comprising one or more viewing elements and imagesensors) in the endoscope. The camera board, in turn, receives videosignal 413 generated by the CCD imager and also other remote commands414 from the endoscope.

Video processing controller 420 further comprises elements forprocessing the video obtained from the imager 412, including MPEGDigital Signal Processor 422 and FPGA local processor 423. The FPGA 423is responsible for video interpolation and on-screen display overlayprior to sending the video to the MPEG DSP 422. The FPGA 423 acts as amain controller of the system for image processing, video writing andon-screen display. The video signal is sent for display through Videooutput interface 424. A video input interface 425 is also provided forreceiving video input from an external video source.

System-On-Module (SOM) 426 provides an interface to input devices suchas keyboard and mouse, while Touch I/F 424 provides a touchscreeninterface. In an embodiment, the controller 420 further controls one ormore fluid, liquid and/or suction pump(s) which supply correspondingfunctionalities to the endoscope through pneumatic I/F 428, pump 429 andcheck valve 430. The controller further comprises a power supply onboard 445 and a front panel 435 which provides operational buttons 440for the user.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram describing the data communication betweenvarious components of the endoscopy system in accordance with anembodiment of the present specification. As shown in FIG. 5, theendoscopy system 500 comprises an external controller 501 which, in anembodiment, provides the controls required for displaying images orvideo of internal organs captured by the endoscope on a display device.In an embodiment, the controller 501 governs power transmission to theendoscope's tip section, such as for the tip section's viewing elementsand illuminators. In an embodiment, one or more input devices 506, suchas, but not limited to, a keyboard, a touch screen, and at least onedisplay may be connected to controller 501. In an embodiment, thecontroller 501 also comprises a front panel 509 having a display screen507 for displaying operational information concerning an endoscopyprocedure when the endoscope is in use. In an embodiment, the displayscreen 507 is configured to display images and/or video streams receivedfrom the viewing elements of the multi-viewing element endoscope. In anembodiment, display screen 507 is a touch screen device.

In an embodiment, the controller 501 comprises a memory module 502 forstoring information and a processor 503 for executing various computerprogrammed commands fed to the system. In an embodiment, the endoscopysystem 500 comprises a handle 504 which contains the means through whicha physician can perform the procedure and control variousfunctionalities of the endoscopy system 500. As shown in FIG. 5, thehandle 504 and the controller 501 are in data communication with theendoscope tip section 505, which in an embodiment, contains a pluralityof discrete illuminators 508 that illuminate the fields of view of oneor more viewing elements 510 located on the endoscope tip section 505.In an embodiment, the plurality of discrete illuminators 508 comprisesone or more different types of LEDs.

In an embodiment of the present specification, in response to an inputfrom either the input device 506 (such as, but not limited to, displayscreen 507 located on front panel 509 of the external controller) or thehandle 504, the controller 501 modulates the power level and theresulting illumination intensity, and thus, the brightness of discreteilluminators 508. In one embodiment, it is possible to modulate theillumination intensity and power level of the discrete illuminators sothat the light emitted by one or more illuminators 508 is sufficientlybright and is visible outside the patient's body which helps in locatingthe position of endoscope tip within the body. In an embodiment, thecontroller modulates the power levels of one or more illuminators 508such that the total heat generated during the process is within athreshold limit that may be pre-defined.

In one embodiment, the controller 501 modulates the power level of afirst set of illuminators 508 and operates the first set of illuminatorsat a higher intensity for a specific duration of time such that thelight emitted by them is visible outside the patient body and at thesame time, to compensate for the excess heat generated due to higherintensity of these illuminators, the controller 501 also modulates thepower level of a second set of illuminators 508 and operates the secondset of illuminators at a lower intensity for a specific duration oftime.

In one embodiment, the controller 501 modulates the power level andresulting illumination intensity of one or more discrete illuminators508 and operates them in a flash/intermittent mode wherein the resultingillumination intensity fluctuates across a set of one or more intensitylevels for a pre-defined period of time and once that time period isover, it again modulates the power levels of these illuminators to bringthe illuminators to original levels corresponding to a baselineoperational intensity. In an embodiment, the total period of flash modeof operation, the set of intensity levels and corresponding time periodsin each clock cycle are chosen such that during the flash mode ofoperation, the emitted light is visible outside the patient body whileat the same time total heat produced by the system is within a thresholdlimit that may be pre-defined.

In one embodiment, the controller 501 is in independent datacommunication with each of the discrete illuminators 508 and controlsthe flash mode of operation of these illuminators by separatelymodulating the power transmitted to each of the illuminators 508.

In one embodiment, in response to an input, the controller modulates thepower level of one or more illuminators 508 to change the intensity, andtherefore, the brightness of the illuminators in accordance with apredefined function. In one embodiment, the predefined function includesparameters, such as, but not limited to 1) a plurality of power levelsthat can be applied to at least one illuminator and 2) the amount oftime that is spent at each power level. In an embodiment, based on inputinstructions, the controller 501 applies the same predefined function toeach discrete illuminator. In one embodiment, the same predefinedfunction is applied to each discrete illuminator with differentparameter values. In an embodiment, multiple predefined functions arestored in the memory 502 and based on the requirement or userinstructions, one or more of these functions are applied to one or morediscrete illuminators 508.

In an embodiment, the controller 501 operates one or more discreteilluminators 508 in the flash/intermittent mode while the physicianpresses a designated button on handle 504. Once the physician locatesthe position of endoscope tip and subsequently releases the button onhandle 504, the controller 501 modulates the power level of illuminators508 and brings the illuminators back to baseline operational intensitylevels.

In one embodiment, the user can locate the position of endoscope tipfrom a specific direction by directing the controller to operate theilluminators that are located in that direction in a flash/intermittentmode.

In an embodiment, the system enables the user, via the appropriatecontroller and predefined functions, to increase or decrease the levelof intensity used in the flash/intermittent mode based on the user'srequirements. In an embodiment, when the endoscope tip is inserted deepwithin a lumen of the patient's body, the user can start from a lowerintensity and subsequently instruct the system, via the controller, toincrease the intensity level until the light is visible outside and thelocation of endoscope tip is identified. In such cases, in anembodiment, the controller uses a predefined algorithm to first identifythe illuminators for which the intensity has to be increased ordecreased and accordingly applies specific functions with dynamicfunction parameters to each illuminators such that the total heatgenerated by the system remains within threshold limit during the entireprocess. In this case, the system dynamically calculates and applies thefunction parameters for each illuminator as the user increases ordecreases the required intensity level.

FIG. 6 illustrates a general method of operating the discreteilluminators in a flash mode, according to an embodiment. At step 602the discrete illuminators, which in an embodiment are LEDs, areactivated to emit light at a first illumination level. In an embodiment,the first intensity or illumination level is predefined. In anembodiment, the first illumination level is the highest illuminationlevel each discrete LED is capable of emitting. At step 604, the systemdetermines if a first period of time has elapsed. In one embodiment, thefirst period of time is predefined. The video controller maintains aclock in data communication with a memory and processor. In combination,the video controller times the first illumination level predefinedperiod of time. If the first period of time has not elapsed, thediscrete illuminators are kept on and the cycle begins again at step602. If the first period of time has elapsed, at step 606, the videocontroller transmits a signal to change the power level of at least oneLED to a second illumination level. At step 608, the video controllerdetermines if a second period of time has elapsed. In one embodiment,the second period of time is predefined. If so, after the passage of thesecond period of time, the power level of at least one LED is modulatedagain to emit light at the first illumination level. In an embodiment,the first period of time is the same as the second period of time.

In an embodiment, the first and the second periods of time arepredefined and stored in the controller memory. In another embodiment,the first and the second periods of time are dynamically calculated bythe controller depending on user requirements for the system andapplication. In another embodiment, the second period of time is shorterthan the first period of time. In another embodiment, the first periodof time is shorter than the second period of time.

In an embodiment, the first and the second levels of illuminationintensity are predefined and stored in the controller memory. In anotherembodiment, the first and the second illumination intensity levels aredynamically calculated by the controller such that light is visibleoutside the patient body, while, at the same time, the total heatgenerated by the LEDs is within a threshold limit. In one embodiment,the first illumination intensity level is higher than the secondillumination intensity level. In one embodiment, the second illuminationintensity level is higher than the first illumination intensity level.In one embodiment, the first illumination intensity level is higher thanthe baseline operational intensity level and the second illuminationintensity level is lower than the baseline operational intensity levelor equal to the baseline illumination intensity level. In an embodiment,the power level of discrete illuminators is simultaneously modulatedacross different levels of intensity. In some embodiments, a first setof LEDs operates at a higher intensity while a second set of LEDsoperates at a baseline operational intensity. In one embodiment, thefirst predefined intensity is 51 lumens. In one embodiment, the second,intensity ranges from 21 to 45 lumens.

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary change in illumination intensity levelsof at least one set of illuminators in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present specification. As shown in FIG. 6A, horizontal axis 660represents a time period and vertical axis 670 represents anillumination intensity level. Level 650 represents a baselineoperational intensity level for the discrete illuminators; level 651represents a first intensity level at which one or more illuminators areoperated during the flash mode; and level 652 represents a secondintensity level at which one or more illuminators are operated duringflash mode.

Time period 654 corresponds to the duration during which the system isnot operated in flash mode and time period 653 corresponds to theduration of the flash mode of operation. First time period 655represents the duty cycle during which the first intensity level 651 ismaintained in each clock cycle while the second time period 657represents the duty cycle during which the second intensity level 652 ismaintained in each clock cycle. Time period 656 represents the totaltime of each clock cycle during which the intensity level cycles betweenthe first intensity level 651 and the second intensity level 652.

In one embodiment, the first illumination level 651 is shown higher thanthe baseline operation level and the second illumination level 652 isshown lower than the baseline operation level. In various embodiments,the relative values of intensity levels 651 and 652 can be higher than,lower than, or equal to the baseline operational intensity level 650. Inone embodiment, the first time period 655 and second time period 657 areshown as having equal duration. However, in another embodiment, the timeperiods 655 and 657 can be different.

While in the above example, only one graph is shown to illustrate thechange in illumination intensity of the illuminators when operated inflash mode, in various embodiments, different values for intensity orillumination levels 651 and 652; clock time period 656; periods 655,657, 654, and 653 can be used for each illuminator when operated inflash mode to ensure that the total heat produced during the process iswithin acceptable threshold levels.

FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary method of operating the discreteilluminators in a flash mode, according to an embodiment. At step 622the discrete illuminators, which in an embodiment are LEDs, areactivated to emit light at a first illumination level or firstintensity. At step 624, it is determined if a first predefined period oftime has elapsed. At step 626, after the passage of the first predefinedperiod of time, the LEDs are operated to emit light at a secondillumination level, or second intensity, which, in one embodiment, isthe baseline operational intensity. In an embodiment the secondillumination level (baseline operational intensity) is lower than thefirst illumination level. At step 628, it is determined if a secondpredefined period of time has elapsed. After the passage of the secondpredefined period of time the LEDs are operated again to emit light atthe first illumination level. In an embodiment, the first predefinedperiod of time is the same as the second predefined period of timewhereas in another embodiment, the second predefined period of time isshorter than the first predefined period of time. In one embodiment, thefirst illumination level is 51 lumens. In one embodiment, the secondillumination level is 21 lumens.

FIG. 6C illustrates yet another exemplary method of operating thediscrete illuminators in a flash mode, according to an embodiment. Inthis embodiment, the intensity of the discrete illuminators variesbetween three different levels. At step 632 the discrete illuminators,which in an embodiment are LEDs, are illuminated to emit light at afirst illumination level or first intensity level. At step 634, it isdetermined if a first period of time has elapsed. At step 636, after thepassage of the first period of time, the LEDs are operated to emit lightat a second illumination level or second intensity level. In anembodiment the second illumination level is lower than the firstillumination level. At step 638 it is determined if a second period oftime has elapsed. At step 640, after the passage of the second period oftime, the LEDs are operated to emit light at a third illumination levelor third intensity level. In an embodiment, the third illumination levelis lower than the second illumination level. At step 642 it isdetermined if a third period of time has elapsed. After the passage ofthe third period of time the LEDs are operated again to emit light atthe first illumination level. In an embodiment the first, second andthird periods of time are predefined and stored in a controller memory.In an embodiment, the first, second and the third predefined periods oftime are the same. One may appreciate that while the above embodimentdescribes a system wherein the illumination level of discreteilluminators varies between three different levels, one could operatethe discrete illuminators at more than three levels of illuminationintensity without departing from the spirit and scope of presentspecification.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for obtaining a position ofan endoscope tip within a patient's body from outside the body inaccordance with an embodiment of the present specification. In oneembodiment, a physician operates a handle portion of an endoscope havinga tip with discrete illuminators positioned thereupon (described abovewith reference to FIG. 1). At step 702, the physician inserts theendoscope tip inside the patient's body for performing a procedure usingcontrols on the handle portion. At step 704, physician instructs thesystem to detect the tip position of the endoscope by providing an inputthrough an input device such the handle or an external keyboard ortouchscreen display. In an embodiment, the handle portion of theendoscope comprises one or more designated buttons which when toggled orotherwise activated by the physician cause a discrete illuminatormodulation signal to be sent to an external controller as shown in step706. In one embodiment, the discrete illuminator modulation signalcauses the controller to modulate the power level of one or morediscrete illuminators according to a predefined function.

For example, a first signal (caused by a first button press on thehandle) may cause the controller to increase the power level of eachdiscrete illuminator, thereby increasing the intensity of the emittedlight, for a first period of time and then decrease the power level ofeach discrete illuminator for a second period of time. It should beappreciated that any of the above described intensity functions could bedeployed. As the discrete illuminator intensity varies, the physicianobserves the patient's skin to see the endoscope tip, which may bevisible through the patient's body because of the higher discreteilluminator intensity level.

Accordingly, at step 708, on receiving the discrete illuminatormodulation signal, the controller modulates the power level of one ormore discrete illuminators in accordance with a predefined function thatgoverns the manner in which the intensity levels of any illuminator isto be modulated.

In one embodiment, the controller applies same function to all theilluminators. In an alternate embodiment, the controller applies adifferent function to each illuminator. At step 710, based on themodulation, one or more discrete illuminators operate at one or moreintensity levels which may be different than their baseline operationalintensity level for specific periods of time. In above embodiment, themodulation is performed in such a manner that the light emitted by oneor more illuminators is visible outside the patient body which helps intracking the position of endoscope tip while keeping the total heatgenerated by the system within a threshold limit. At step 712, thephysician determines if the tip position of the endoscope has beenlocated. If the tip position has been located, the process is complete.If the tip position has not been located, the process, via inputs to thecontroller, begins again at step 708.

In various alternate embodiments of the present specification, LEDs areconfigured to have multiple intensity states, provided that the totalheat output, relative to operating the LED at full brightness 100% ofthe time, is reduced. At higher intensities, the heat increasesrelatively to the constant light intensity.

The above examples are merely illustrative of the many applications ofthe system of present invention. Although only a few embodiments of thepresent invention have been described herein, it should be understoodthat the present invention might be embodied in many other specificforms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Therefore, the present examples and embodiments are to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive.

We claim:
 1. A system for managing heat generated in a tip of an endoscope, comprising: a controller external to the endoscope, wherein saidcontroller comprises a memory for storing programmatic functions and aprocessor for executing said programmatic functions; an input device indata communication with said controller, wherein said input device isadapted to receive data indicative of a programmatic function andwherein said input device is configured to communicate said dataindicative of a programmatic function to the controller; and a pluralityof discrete illuminators positioned within said tip and in electricalcommunication with said controller, wherein each of said plurality ofdiscrete illuminators emits an amount of visible light and wherein saidcontroller executes a programmatic function based upon said dataindicative of a programmatic function that causes at least one of saidplurality of discrete illuminators to operate in a first mode and asecond mode, wherein, in said first mode, the at least one of saidplurality of discrete illuminators emits said visible light at abaseline illumination level that is greater than zero and wherein, insaid second mode, the at least one of said plurality of discreteilluminators emits said visible light at a first illumination level thatis greater than the baseline illumination level for a first period oftime and at a second illumination level that is greater than zero butless than the baseline illumination level for a second period of time.2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first illumination level causes atleast one of said plurality of discrete illuminators to emit an amountof visible light in a range of greater than 40 lumens.
 3. The system ofclaim 2 wherein the second illumination level causes at least one ofsaid plurality of discrete illuminators to emit an amount of visiblelight in a range less than 40 lumens.
 4. The system of claim 1 whereinthe programmatic function defines a duty cycle for the at least one ofsaid plurality of discrete illuminators, and, wherein during 30% of saidduty cycle, the programmatic function defines the first illuminationlevel to be greater than 40 lumens.
 5. The system of claim 4 whereinduring 70% of said duty cycle, the programmatic function defines thesecond illumination level to be less than 40 lumens.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the input device is at least one of a touch screendisplay, a button on a handle of the endoscope, a keypad, or a mobiledevice.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the programmatic functiondefines, for the at least one of said plurality of discreteilluminators, the first illumination level to be in a range of 45-55lumens for the first period of time and the second illumination level tobe in a range of 15-25 lumens for the second period of time.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the programmatic function defines, for atleast one of said plurality of discrete illuminators, the baselineillumination level to be in a range of 20-35 lumens.
 9. The system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein, in said second mode, the at least one ofsaid plurality of discrete illuminators is operated to emit light havingan intensity of at least 15 lumens for a maximum of 60 milliamperescurrent for a duration of 3 to 15 seconds with pulses of 10 to 50milliseconds in duty cycle ranging between 10% to 50%.
 10. The system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein a same programmatic function is applied toeach of the plurality of discrete illuminators in the endoscope tip. 11.A method of tracking a position of an endoscope tip within a human body,wherein the endoscope tip comprises one or more viewing elements and oneor more discrete illuminators for illuminating fields of view of theviewing elements, wherein each viewing element is associated with atleast one discrete illuminator, the method comprising: providing acontroller external to the endoscope, wherein said controller comprisesa memory for storing programmatic functions and a processor forexecuting said programmatic functions; providing an input device in datacommunication with said controller, wherein said input device is adaptedto receive data indicative of a programmatic function and wherein saidinput device is configured to communicate said data indicative of aprogrammatic function to the controller; and providing a plurality ofdiscrete illuminators positioned within said tip and in electricalcommunication with said controller, wherein each of said plurality ofdiscrete illuminators emits an amount of visible light and wherein saidcontroller executes a programmatic function based upon said dataindicative of a programmatic function that causes at least one of saidplurality of discrete illuminators to operate in a first mode and asecond mode, wherein, in said first mode, the at least one of saidplurality of discrete illuminators emits said visible light at abaseline level that is greater than zero and wherein, in said secondmode, the at least one of said plurality of discrete illuminators emitssaid visible light, for a first period of time, at a first power levelthat is greater than the baseline level for a first period of time andemits said visible light, for a second period of time, at a second powerlevel that is greater than zero but less than the baseline level. 12.The method of claim 11 wherein the first power level causes at least oneof said plurality of discrete illuminators to emit an amount of visiblelight in a range of greater than 40 lumens.
 13. The method of claim 12wherein the second power level causes the at least one of said pluralityof discrete illuminators to emit an amount of visible light in a rangeless than 40 lumens.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the programmaticfunction defines a duty cycle for the at least one of said plurality ofdiscrete illuminators, and, wherein during 30% of said duty cycle, theprogrammatic function defines the first power level to be an amount thatgenerates an illumination of greater than 40 lumens.
 15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein during 70% of said duty cycle, the programmaticfunction defines the second power level to be an amount that generatesan illumination of less than 40 lumens.
 16. The method of claim 11wherein the input device is at least one of a touch screen display, abutton on a handle of the endoscope, a keypad, or a mobile device. 17.The method of claim 11 wherein the programmatic function defines, forthe at least one of said plurality of discrete illuminators, the firstpower level to be an amount that causes the at least one of saidplurality of discrete illuminators to emit an amount of visible light ina range of 45-55 lumens for the first period of time and the secondpower level to be an amount that causes the at least one of saidplurality of discrete illuminators to emit an amount of visible light ina range of 15-25 lumens for the second period of time.
 18. The method ofclaim 11 wherein the programmatic function defines, for the at least oneof said plurality of discrete illuminators, the baseline level to be ina range of 20-35 lumens.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein, in saidsecond mode, the at least one of said plurality of discrete illuminatorsis operated to emit light having an intensity of at least 15 lumens fora maximum of 60 milliamperes current for a duration of 3 to 15 secondswith pulses of 10 to 50 milliseconds in duty cycle ranging between 10%to 50%.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein a same programmatic functionis applied to each of the plurality of discrete illuminators in theendoscope tip.